Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office exposes transnational call center fraud involving ex-Defense Minister

The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia, in cooperation with German law enforcement, has uncovered another transnational crime related to fraudulent call centers. Four individuals have been arrested, while two more and one legal entity have been charged in absentia for fraud and money laundering as part of an organized group, the body said on Friday.

According to the investigation, a criminal group was formed by a Ukrainian citizen through the Georgian-based company “Morgan Limited,” operating between 2019 and 2021. The group, including Georgian and foreign nationals, set up call centers that deceived European citizens into making fake investments on fraudulent trading platforms.

The group defrauded citizens of Germany, Slovenia, and Slovakia of €3,170,000. The statement revealed that part of the illicit funds was transferred to the account of former Georgian Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili. Over $1 million was deposited into accounts linked to Kezerashvili, his sister, and her son.

On September 5, law enforcement raided a fraudulent call center in Tbilisi, seizing hundreds of computers, mobile phones, and records. Assets worth several million GEL belonging to the defendants were also seized.

The charges carry a sentence of 9 to 12 years in prison. The case gained prominence following a BBC investigation, which named Kezerashvili as a key figure in a large-scale fraud scheme linked to the Milton Group. While public records did not confirm his direct involvement, former employees suggested otherwise.

Kezerashvili has denied the allegations and requested a retraction from the BBC. Since August 2023, he no longer holds control over TV company “Formula,” having transferred part of his shares to the company’s employee union.